They say in life you win some and you lose some. The reality is every experience is meant to be learnt from. From every experience whether it is negative or positive, there will be a positive and the positive you walk away with is the lesson you learn. Treating someone as they treat you is not the answer and it should never be. The answer is to treat others as you would want to be treated and more so, never do anything you would regret.
Quote by Mother Teresa; Photo Credit: Word on Fire
With experience you will be wiser or at least you should be. Do not let anyone take advantage of you and distance yourself from toxic people.
Now, to look back at 2022 just for example, is to look back at so much and also to relive so much- loss, pain, hurt and negativity. Being the person that I am, I don’t want to go down that road.
Those that we lost are no longer in pain and they are no longer suffering. This is my comfort.
If people chose to come out of our lives then I guess it’s safe to say they did what they wanted to. If people choose to judge us, then so be it. That’s on them, not us!
Also, if people chose to be unfair to us, that’s their cross to bear, not ours.
This being said, it means what you need to do more than anything is to keep your focus and be thankful for your blessings! Remember,
An Attitude of Gratitude
Be Positive
Carry Only What You need
Do not give up
Enjoy each moment
Focus your energy on what needs to be done
Give your best always
Have fun doing the things you love
Isolate yourself from toxic people
Judge no one- instead practice self-reflection and analysis
Kindly treat people the way you want to be treated
Live life everyday as if it is your last
Make it your duty not to harm any human or animal
Notice changes all around you- it’s inevitable
Overcoming your obstacles is not out of your reach
Placing yourself in harm’s way is never advised
Quitting is not an option so quit quitting
Realize this journey is yours and not anyone else’s
Search deep within and find what you need
Trust that everything will fall in place
Understand that lots of people where masks and not all smiles are real
Value those who are true to you
Worrying about tomorrow doesn’t help.
Xanadu is the Utopia you create for yourself.
Yesterday is gone! Learn from it, don’t dwell on it!
Zero in on your tasks 1 by 1!
Surely, we can agree that Everyday Life shares several pertinent messages! Higher Power compliments it perfectly as well! Enjoy the music!
Yes, you have read the title correctly! This post is dedicated to announcing the Kindle publication of ‘Lotuses at His Holy Feet’. For those who are familiar with this book, it is a book of poetry that tells a story and it was written by Sheetal K Prasad, a Trinidadian by birth, who is an ardent devotee of His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. In this book Uncle Sheetal refers to His Holiness as, “my MASTER, my Lord, my sole reason for being.”
Lotuses at His Holy Feet is non-fiction and it is a testimony of Uncle Sheetal’s experiences as well as his love for His Holiness, his love for JayaLakshmi Maa and his love for Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji who we affectionately call Sri Bala Swamiji. More so it is a testimony and celebration of the greatness of the divinity each represents meaning a celebration of the greatness of our Sadguru who is the epitome of Truth, Knowledge and Bliss, as Lord Dattatreya, as Nada Brahma, as our Saviour, as the Crowning Glory of the Universe as I often times refer to His Holiness, and it is a celebration of His Mother-the Divine Mother-, His Guru as well as a celebration of Sri Bala Swamiji- Junior Pontiff at Avadhoota Datta Peetham who exudes humility, compassion and divinity.
Book Cover of Uncle Sheetal’s book!
Those who know Uncle Sheetal would know of his sincerity, his humility and his immense talent as a singer and musician. His life and messages provide us with a lot to learn. He is well-known and well-loved!
When you click on the link please take the time to read the book’s description aptly reads:
As William Wordsworth once said, “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.”
The book description goes on to say, “The verses penned here are from Sheetal K Prasad, who is widely known for his love of music, more so his love of the bhajans of His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda. It is a compilation of poetry and represents an emotional outburst that shows the great joy experienced by the author. Here he acknowledges the omnipresence of his Master, His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji.
This is an invitation to join the poet on this journey he narrates and immerse yourself in the peace, tranquility and rush of emotions he experiences.”
This is an invitation I extend to you with more good news! Uncle Sheetal’s book is available in Kindle Edition on all Amazon Marketplaces and these are the links below:
Even better, the awesome news doesn’t end here! You don’t need to have a Kindle to purchase the book! As I have mentioned time and time again you don’t need a Kindle device but you can click on the link that says, “Read with our Free App” that allows you to download the Free App and it can be read on your phone, laptop, tablet or desktop!
The beauty of having the book online is that all things considered having the book in Kindle format presents you with several benefits. Three (3) of the main reasons are as follows:
It is easily available by clicking on the link and making an online purchase, it doesn’t require physical storage space and considering the current situation we are faced with (the Covid-19 pandemic) having books in Kindle Edition means not having to travel physical distances to access books like this which will offer us peace of mind, tranquility and insight into the greatness of His Holiness, Jayalakshmi Maa and Sri BalaSwamiji.
As always I remind you that this is yours for the taking! Welcome the experience and enjoy the Kindle journey! Sri Guru Datta!
Om Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Sadguru Bhyo Namaha!
Today July 27, 2018 marks the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima! It is indeed a blessed occasion for all Datta Devotees in Trinidad as we have been quite fortunate to be blessed with the Divine Presence of His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima. More so we have been blessed with the presence of Datta devotees from around the world (Australia, USA, India, Canada to name a few) who have come to Trinidad to celebrate Guru Purnima and Trinidadians living abroad who have returned home especially for this event and to be in Sadguru’s presence!
During these past ten (10) days Appaji has done so much and we can all agree that no other can do it like His Holiness does. Allow me to share some of the many blessings we have received:
·Appaji blessed us with the Datta Ganga Raga Sagara Music for Meditation and Healing Concert at SAPA on July 20th
·Appaji inaugurated the Hanuman Shrine at the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashram and He inaugurated Annapoorna Mandiram on Tuesday 24th July. He also performed Sri Chakra Puja.
·Appaji also blessed the devotees at the Datta Shiva Ram Mandir in Princes Town
·On Tuesday 24th July Appaji visited the Lakshminarayana Pranava Temple in Beaucarro Village Carapichaima and inaugurated the canteen facilities of the schools run by the Temple Appaji
·Appaji performed Guru Mantra Upadesha for hundreds of devotees on the morning of 26th July
·Appaji announced plans for Maha Rudra Yagna and for the sacred Guru Purnima Festival His Holiness gave the Mantra ‘Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha’ to be chanted as many times as possible in the spiritual build up for this event to be held in 2020
·Appaji blessed us all immensely in an abundance of ways
·Appaji urged us to embrace all that we have and to understand who we are- to understand ourselves
·Appaji recognised the contribution of two (2) pundits who have contributed immensely to Sanatan Dharma in Trinidad and Tobago
Appaji shared a full page message for Guru Purnima in today’s Express Newspaper
With Appaji there is continuous growth, there is deeper meaning and there is greater fulfilment. Like the well which channels water and channels energy to sustain life, so does Sadguru! He gives us the opportunity to experience the elixir of life as received and gives us the opportunity to know oneself.
In closing this evening’s programme there was a cake cutting ceremony for Appaji which featured a well that provides water like the Ganges and cakes in the form of Appaji’s Padukas.
Like the well which flows to provide water to many we are reminded of Sadguru, our Appaji who provides an immense outpouring of love, extends His reach at all times to all humanity and does so with purity, without fear, without favour and without discrimination. All is within His reach and none can do what He does or profess to do so! He protects humanity and looks after all devotees. From His life and His actions we can attest to His omnipotence and His omniscience. Like water, He is the giver of Life! He is the Sustainer of Life and the Preserver of Life! He is Sadguru and He is the Avadhoota!
We can all attest to the fact that time and time again many ask how we can thank Appaji?
Here are some ways in which you can do so:
·Practise Sadhana
·Understand who you are
·Accept that we are one family
·Keep your focus and serve
·Embrace Appaji’s Daily Messages
·Download Free Apps from SGS Posts, Path, Nadi Shuddi Yoga, Hanuman Chalisa for Parayana, Bhakti Mala English and Livestream and invest in Apps for Purchase like Bhajan Mala, SGS Bhagavad Gita, Divine Darshan, Kavacha Manjari and Vishnu Sahasranamam from Google Playstore for Android Devices and Apple Store for iOS devices
·Develop Your Spirituality
·Ensure that you utilize the services of the bookstores in the Ashrams by purchasing Appaji’s books and cds. This was mentioned in this evening’s discourse. Read Appaji’s books, absorb the information in them and put them to daily use. As Appaji says, “Be good, Do Good”. Listen to the music on the cds, learn the bhajans, sing them and glorify the name of God
·Use food, music and positive lifestyle changes to uplift yourself
·Learn Bhagavad Gita and Guru Gita
Appaji, we are happy that You are our Sadguru! We are eternally thankful for all that You have done for us and for all that You continue to do for us! Humble Pranams to Your Lotus Feet!
Happy Guru Purnima Appaji!
Thank you for Blessing us always!
Thank you for Blessing Trinidad devotees and for blessing devotees the world over! We love you Appaji! On behalf of all devotees in Trinidad I can surely say that we look forward to having You with us again soon!
In closing I leave this invitation to provide further information with you for the download of apps and to get more information on what was shared in this post. Please leave a comment here or email me at signaturewritingstyles@gmail.com . Do not let the negatives of life pull you down! Always strive to be the best you can be!
Lord Hanuman means so much to so many and this is evident not just here in Trinidad but also in the way many the world over regard Him and give praises to Him. For starters He teaches us strength and patience, He teaches us about courage and humility and He offers us protection but He does so much more! The list can go on and on and will never stray from the essence that Lord Hanuman is our Blessing and He holds special significance for the thousands and more so the millions that pray to Him.
Here in Trinidad we have the 85 ft Hanuman Murti which was consecrated in 2003 but this is not just any Hanuman Murti. In addition to being the tallest Hanuman Murti in the Western World, this is a Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti. In looking at the history of this Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti I found this video that I am sure can provide meaningful insight to many devotees. It will in many respects help in shedding light on what the Newsday journalist was referring to. On this note I invite you to please have a look at it:
Moving on we can agree that indeed it is a divine blessing to hear the name of Lord Hanuman being glorified and indeed a blessing to be able to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. Today thousands visited the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti at the Dattatreya Yoga Center in Carapichaima. The chanting of Hanuman Chalisa was scheduled to begin at 6am this morning and it concluded after 7pm this evening. It was followed by Abhishekam, Puja and Homa.
Rightfully so there is a lot that we can learn from Lord Hanuman and a simple means of accepting these lessons comes from understanding what the Hanuman Chalisa is telling us. While the visit to the site http://aumamen.com/stotra/hanuman-chalisa can provide some ready assistance with this the link to Hanuman Chalisa for Parayana below will also provide you with peace, comfort and an abundance of postive energy.
Many present at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Center today can attest to the fact that hundreds were able to offer their prayers to Lord Hanuman, sing Chalisa, perform Abhishekam, participate in Puja and Homa and also perform Aarti at the feet of Lord Hanuman. Today’s Hanuman Jayanti celebrations came after 5 nights of Ramayan Discourses delivered during the past week. The week’s sessions began with Pundit Abhedanand Persad Sharma on Monday and continued with Pundit Hardeo Persad on Tuesday, Pundit Jewan Maharaj on Wednesday, Swami Prakashananda on Thursday. It concluded with Pundit Bimal Maharaj on Friday.
In compiling this post finding bhajans being sung by His Holiness seemed most appropriate as His voice and His presence do more than words can ever fully express. Thankfully this morning I was able to hear and see His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on Livestream (Click on Yoga Sangeeta) and this evening we were able to be at the feet of Lord Hanuman.
I love all of Appaji’s bhajans and this is one of the first I heard. It is followed by some other bhajans that are filled with meaning and positive energy. Here is my invitation to you to enjoy each of the Bhajans below and immerse yourself in Appaji’s offering!
As Hanuman Jayanti 2018 draws to an end continue putting into practice the many lessons Lord Hanuman has shared with us. As Appaji reminds us daily, “Be Good, Do Good”.
Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai!
What is speech to someone who doesn’t have the gift of speech? It is something they cannot use. Then why do some people abuse the power of speech when they have the power of speech?
Honestly I do not know! The tone someone uses can make the world of difference. So too can their choice of words. But many function in ignorance, lost to the teachings of wise Masters and great Gurus, some lost to the teachings and lessons of their own upbringing.
Many people talk down to others, they gossip about others, they spread lies and believe the said lies that they spread but this is not right and should not be encouraged.
How do they live with themselves when they cause pain to others and when they refuse to practice the life lessons which so many others do? Why do they spread untruths? Probably because it helps them feel better about themselves but honestly this is not my modus operandi so I really choose not to venture down this road trying to understand them because that is not the focus of this post.
Based on this what then is my message to you? It is this: “Treat others in the same manner that you would like to be treated” and live according to these beliefs: ‘Carpe Diem’, ‘Qué Sera Sera’ and ‘Semper Fi’ which translates to be: Seize the day! Whatever will be, will be! Always be loyal! The last part ‘Always be loyal’ applies in this regard: always stand by your values and beliefs and do not compromise anything.
The reality is that not everyone does this! So sad but so true! However we should not follow suit and we must do what is right!
What do they get out of hurting others? What do they get when they insult you? I cannot answer you because this is not my modus operandi but I can tell you this: Don’t worry about them. Remember to keep your focus and always strive to be the best you that you can be. Remember that change begins with you! If you have been doing this, be happy because you are on the right path!
Quite recently I was able to look at a couple videos, all of which are exceedingly relevant in today’s society and for not just us but also for the people we encounter on a daily basis, day in, day out. I will share two of them in particular: the first is a video from The Buddhist Vision (Click on this link: Buddhist Vision’s video on Love, Trust and Sorry) and the second is one by Guru Nanak on the value of life (Click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvN4qm5pNlk
While I love the Buddhist Vision video and this above video by Guru Nanak I am quite eager to share some very important messages by His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda, founder and pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham. His Holiness Sri Swamiji always provides very valuable messages to people throughout the world and these messages that are relevant to us all and some of these are given to us daily via SGS Posts. SGS Posts for those who are not aware is an app which is available for free download on Android and IOS phones and it is based on H.H. Sri Swamiji’s teaching, “Be Good, Do Good”. These messages by H.H. stressed in so many ways that if you are sure to remember them one way or the other. Here are some very valuable messages from H.H Sri Swamiji regarding the importance of speech:
In the above pictures eight (8) of Sri Swamiji’s messages have been shared. His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda says:
1.“Make good use of every moment in life.”
2.“Sweets words with a gentle smile are the greatest gifts.”
3.“Reciprocate goodness.”
4.“Never belittle others.”
5.“Be kind at heart.”
6.“Be nice to everyone.”
7.“Find happiness simply in being good and doing good.”
8.“Insist that wrongs are righted.”
In closing please feel free to share this post with others. Have fun checking the above links and looking at the videos. Also if you haven’t downloaded SGSPosts to your mobile phone yet please do so now. Remember as His Holiness Sri Swami Ganapathy Sachidananda says, “Be Good, Do Good”.
On July 26th, 2016 His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda arrived in Trinidad.
It was a day devotees and members of the Datta family were looking forward to and many were determined to spend as much time as they could in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji.
Here are some pictures that show the welcome Sri Swamiji received:
Many turned out in their numbers from the night of Appaji’s arrival to the time of His departure and His visit was marked by a number of very memorable occasions, namely:
Witnessing Appaji performing puja on a daily basis was not an opportunity to miss!
Listening to Sri Swamiji’s discourses were as always very inspiring.
As always there is a message for everyone and it is important to put it to use! Here are some useful links:
Receiving Sri Swamiji’s darshan is indescribable! It is a divine blessing and one to cherish!
The consecration rituals and ceremony for the murtis of Lord Rama’s Parivaar and Lord Satyanarayan at Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima.
Appaji, our Swamiji, His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda was presented with His 5th Guinness World Record
Epic Hanuman Chalisa ChanTTing here Hanuman Chalisa Chanting was led by His Holiness Sri Swamiji:
The consecration of the Shiva Lingam and the Murti of Mother Durga at the Datta Shiva Ram Temple in Princes Town and the consecration of the Navgrahas at the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashram in Penal were two more very memorable occasions and these will be shared in a later post. Here are some pictures from these events so you have a great idea of what those posts will include:
Many were sad to see Appaji leave but as Appaji says, “I am always here, I am always with you!”
Appaji we love You! Appaji Thank You for giving us Your continued Darshan! Appaji Thank You for showering us with Your Love and Thank You for taking care of us! We are proud members of the Datta family! We are proud and humbled to have You as our Appaji, our Swamiji, our Sadguru and so much more!
Sadguru Maharaj Ki Jai! Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ki Jai! Jai Veer Hanuman! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai!
Jaya Guru Datta!
Celebrating Existence 